Funnel with level indicator

ABSTRACT

A special design of a funnel for filling liquids safely especially into nontransparent containers, e.g., fuel tanks of lawn mowers. To indicate the filling level of the container, a measuring rod of a float is guided in a perforated plate of the funnel. Passage slots, through which the liquid filled into the funnel can enter the container, are located in the funnel tube under the perforated plate. Due to buoyancy, the float strikes the underside of the perforated plate, and as a result it prevents the container from being overfilled.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a funnel with a level indicator forfilling liquids into containers safely and including a mount for ameasuring rod. The mount passes transversely through the funnel tube,wherein the measuring rod is guided along the axis of the funnel andcarries under the mount a piston-like float acting as a lifting elementthat is movable in the funnel tube. A plurality of passage slots for theliquid to be filled in are located in the wall of the funnel tube, andthe movement of the measuring rod is limited in both directions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Such an arrangement has become known from DE-GM 75 29 052. Attention wascalled there to the problem associated with the filling of largeramounts of solvents, which is linked with the determination of theliquid level or the amount in nontransparent vessels and especially withthe prevention of overflow.

In this prior-art solution, the mount passing through the funnel tubeconsists of a disk, which has a central hole and is located relativelyin the lower area of the funnel tube. Under the disk, a measuring rodguided in the disk has a float. The float's buoyancy caused by theliquid filled into the vessel is recognizable from the movement of themeasuring rod. In the upper area, this measuring rod has a plate-likeindicating means, which signals that the container has been sufficientlyfilled when a defined level has been reached in relation to the wall ofthe flare of the funnel.

The problem of this level indicator means is that the passage slots arelocated above the mount transversely passing through the funnel tube.Liquid can therefore be filled unhindered into the funnel when the floathas already reached its topmost position. The liquid then continues topass as before, into the container through the passage slots. As aconsequence of which, the buoyancy of the float causes the entire funnelto be lifted as well because the float comes into contact with the mountpassing transversely through the funnel tube from below.

The level position of the measuring rod must therefore be carefullychecked during filling in order to prevent the liquid being filled infrom overflowing.

The present invention is based on this state of the art according toGerman Utility Model DE-GM 75 29 052, and has the task of improving thelevel indicator means such that it is not necessary to resort to theobservation of the measuring rod alone, but additional indications forthe filling level of the nontransparent container are also obtained, andthat the filling especially of nontransparent containers and especiallywith fuel, is facilitated, in general.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a funnel with alevel indicator for filling fluids safely into a non transparentcontainer. The present invention accomplishes this by providing a floatinside the funnel tube of a funnel. The float can move inside the funneltube due to its buoyancy in the fluid in the container. A measuring rodis connected to the float and extends upstream from the float along anaxis of the funnel tube, and extends out into the funnel flare of thefunnel. A perforated plate mounted at a connection between the funneltube and the funnel flare surrounds and guides the measuring rod alongthe axis of the funnel tube. The perforated plate, the funnel tube, andthe funnel flare are designed so that the perforated plate isrepetitively replaceable in the funnel without damaging or destroyingthe funnel or requiring special tools. The funnel tube also definespassage slots on the radial surfaces of the funnel tube. These passageslots are positioned downstream of the perforated plate.

The liquid is thus filled from the flare of the funnel through theperforated plate into the funnel tube, from which it can enter thecontainer through the passage slots. When the float according to thepresent invention has reached its top end position due to the buoyancyof the liquid, it covers the perforations in the perforated plate frombelow, so that the liquid filled in will immediately accumulate abovethe perforated plate.

Thus, the final filling level of the liquid in the container isrecognized from the level position of the measuring rod, and also by theaccumulation of liquid in the flare of the funnel. The accumulatedliquid can then enter the container with ease when the funnel isslightly raised, because the float does not participate in this liftingmovement.

The funnel tube can have a screw socket means which attaches the funneltube to a tank cap of a container or fuel tank. The screw socket meanswill generally have internal threads which engage with the externalthreads of the tank cap. The screw socket means can either be a onepiece injection-molded plastic part with the funnel tube, or can bedesigned as a union nut which is rotatable with respect to the funneltube, and threading of the union nut onto the tank cap clamps a collaron the funnel tube between the union nut and the tank cap. It is alsopossible to make the funnel flare portion removable from the funneltube, and yet keep the funnel tube inside the container or tank. Theperforated disk remains attached to the funnel tube, and a holder meansis incorporated onto the funnel tube to hold a transparent cap whichcovers the upstream end of the funnel tube and the measuring rod in afluid tight manner. It is then easy to see if the container is full. Thecomplete funnel screwed to the tank with the screw socket means is heldsecurely and does not need to be manually held. The funnel flare canremain on the container when the transparent cap is attached, or thefunnel flare can be removed when it is not being used to fill thecontainer.

Even though it has been known from GB-A 2 081 128 and U.S. Pat. No.2,689,651 that a perforated plate may be arranged in the funnel, andthat this perforated plate is also designed as a guide for a measuringrod in the case of U.S. Pat. No. 2,689,651, the effect according to thepresent invention cannot be achieved with this arrangement.

The funnel according to the present invention may be used, in principle,when a liquid is filled especially into nontransparent containers. Theobject of the present invention is of particular significance in thecase of filling fuels into engine-powered working implements, especiallylawn mowers, which are powered by internal combustion engines. Theadditional problem that arises there is that the fuel being filled inmust be prevented from overflowing especially in order to prevent theignition of the liquid on the hot working implement. However, thepresent invention does not depend on whether the container istransparent or nontransparent.

Centering and sealing of the float in its top position is improved as aconsequence of a dome-shaped design of the float and of the perforatedplate. As a result of which the openings located in the perforated plateare closed under the action of the buoyancy of the float more or lessabruptly, and liquid will immediately accumulate above the perforatedplate. Therefore, there can be no doubt about the observation that thecontainer has been properly filled.

An additional indication for recognizing the imminent end of the fillingprocess is also provided by structure of the present invention. Inconjunction with the position of the passage slots, a circular gapprovided between the float and the funnel tube has the action of athrottle, because when the float is approaching its top end position dueto the buoyant effect of the liquid, the flow rate of the liquid throughthe perforated plate decreases. This is recognizable by the operatorfrom the liquid level dropping more slowly in the flare of the funnel.The operator is therefore warned in advance that the filling processwill soon come to an end and therefore he must proceed cautiously withthe continued filling of the flare of the funnel.

In a lower end position, the float strikes a stop, which is arrangedsuch that the measuring rod still projects by a certain length over theperforated plate.

It was found to be advantageous for the measuring rod of the float to befirst led through the suitable hole of the perforated plate while theassembly is outside the funnel and before the perforated plate with thefloat arrangement is brought into its working position.

If the individual passage slot in the funnel tube is designed to have alarger expansion opening just upstream of the float when the float is atits most downstream position, the flow pressure acting on the float canbe reduced and more rapid flow through the passage slots can beachieved. An opening in the tube wall suitable for hanging the funnel ona hook is also obtained at the same time.

The features of the present invention also ensure that the filling ofliquid into the container or the consumption of the liquid contained inthe container does not cause any problems related to excess pressure orvacuum.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses,reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter inwhich preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a vertical section through a funnel,

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a vertical section through another design of thefunnel in two different positions of the float,

FIG. 4 shows a vertical section through a funnel tube with a screwsocket located on it,

FIG. 5 shows a vertical section through a removable funnel,

FIG. 6 shows a vertical section through a funnel as an alternative toFIG. 1, and

FIG. 7 shows a vertical section through a funnel tube as an alternativeto FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The funnel 1 consists of the funnel flare 14 and the funnel tube 4joining it in the downward direction. In the transition area from thefunnel flare 14 to the funnel tube 4, the funnel tube 4 is traversed bya perforated plate 2, through the holes 3 of which the liquid filledinto the funnel flare 14 can flow down.

The perforated plate 2 has a central hole 8, through which a measuringrod 7 of a float 6 passes in the upward direction. The position of thefloat 6 shown in FIG. 1 is the top end position. This position isreached when a nontransparent container has been filled with liquid bymeans of the funnel 1. The buoyant power or force of the liquid pressesthe float 6 in the upward direction, until it comes into contact withthe underside of the perforated plate 2.

When the container is empty, the float 6 is in its lower position. Thelower edge 12 of the float 6 comes into contact with the step 10 of thefunnel tube 4 and is retained by same. In this lower position of thefloat 6, the measuring rod 7 still projects slightly above theperforated plate 2.

In addition, it is recognized from the drawing that a few passage slots5, which are arranged under the perforated plate 2, contrary to thestate of the art, are located in the funnel tube 4. The liquid filledinto the funnel flare 14 therefore first enters the funnel tube 4through the perforated plate 2 one must imagine that the float 6 is inthe lower position, not shown, after which it enters the containerthrough the passage slots 5.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theperforated plate 2 is arched upward in a dome-shaped design. The upperfront side of the float 6 has a corresponding shape. In addition, thefloat 6 is designed as a hollow body, which is open on its underside. Inconjunction with the dome-shaped design of the perforated plate 2 andthe float 6, the buoyancy of the liquid flowing in causes a morecorrectly centered contact of the float 6 with the underside of theperforated plate 2. When the filling process has proceeded to the extentthat the float 6 is in contact with the perforated plate 2 a verydesirable sealing of the perforated plate against the float 6 isachieved with this arrangement, and liquid still being filled into thefunnel flare accumulates above the perforated plate 2.

The arrangement of a circular gap 13 between the float 6 and the funneltube 4 is also of particular significance in conjunction with theposition of the upper edge 11 of the passage slot 5 in relation to thelower edge 12 of the float 6 in its topmost position.

As soon as the float 6 reaches a position during the filling of thecontainer in which it covers the passage slots 5 from the inside more orless with a clearance, the flow rate of the liquid decreases, because itfinds a throttle in the form of the circular gap 13 after passingthrough the holes 3 of the perforated plate 2.

The approaching end of the filling process is therefore immediatelyrecognized from the rate of lowering of the liquid level in the funnelflare 14 during the filling of a nontransparent container.

When the float 6 assumes its top position shown in FIG. 1, no moreliquid can escape in the downward direction, so that liquid willaccumulate in the funnel flare 14. This accumulation has no adverseeffect, because its volume is approximately equal to the volume of thepart of the funnel immersed into the liquid. When the funnel 1 isslightly raised after the end of the filling process, the accumulatedliquid can enter the container through the holes 3, because the float 6does not participate in this lifting movement.

To facilitate the assembly of the float 6 and the perforated plate 2, itis recommended that the perforated plate 2 with the float 6 and themeasuring rod 7 be pressed through the funnel flare 14 and into thefunnel tube 4 from the top until the upper edge of the perforated plate2 has passed over a circular bead 9, which has a snap-closing action.The perforated plate 2 therefore cannot readily escape in the upwarddirection under the lifting action of the float 6 and the impact of thefloat 6 against the perforated plate 2. However, replacement of theperforated plate 2 with the float 6 and the measuring rod 7 is possibleat any time, e.g., for cleaning the unit or to insert another perforatedplate 2 with holes 3 of a different design.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 shows that the individualpassage slot 5 has a round expansion 15 approximately in the middlearea. As is shown in FIG. 3, this expansion 15 shall be located slightlyabove the float 6 when the float 6 assumes its lower position. Theliquid reaching the expansion 15 exerts a reduced flow pressure on thefloat 6, because the liquid is able to flow off more rapidly as aconsequence of the expansion of the slot. This expansion 15 may also beused to hang the funnel 1 on a hook, bolt or the like. The location ofthe expansion 15 should therefore be selected to be such that the float6 cannot cover the expansion 15.

A vertical reference rod 16, which extends in parallel to the axis ofthe funnel, is located at the perforated plate 2 in the exemplaryembodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3. The top end 17 of this referencerod is somewhat lower than the top end 18 of the measuring rod 7 whenthe float 6 is in its topmost position. This provides an additionalindication for determining that the filling process has been concluded.

FIG. 3 also shows the arrangement of vertical ribs 27 on the outersurface of the funnel flare 14, which are intended to form vent gapsbetween them, through which air, which may be compressed, can escapeduring the filling of the liquid into the container. These ribs 27 lieon the edge of the container filling opening and therefore enablecompressed air to escape from the container.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4 shows the connection of thefunnel tube 4 to a screw socket 19 on a tank cap 23. The screw socket 19consequently has internal threads 24 adapted to the tank cap 23. Thefunnel 1 or the funnel tube 4 can thus be firmly anchored on thecontainer 25, and it is therefore possible to use both hands to hold therefueling container.

The screw socket 19 may be injection-molded together with the funneltube 4 as a one-piece plastic part. However, it is also possible todesign the screw socket 19 in the manner of a union nut and to have itact against a collar-like projection not shown of the funnel tube.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4, the screw socket 19 orthe funnel tube 4 has a holder 20 for pushing on a transparent cap 21.This cap surrounds the measuring rod 7 and--if present--the referencerod 16 in a moisture-proof manner, and prevents the liquid present inthe container 25, especially fuels, from flowing out or evaporating. Asa result, it is possible to leave the funnel tube 4 with the transparentcap permanently on the container 25, so that the level of the container25 can be recognized at any time during the operation. This is importantespecially when the present invention is used in lawn mowers withinternal combustion engines. The transparent cap 21 is secured in theholder 20 by a bayonet catch 26, but the latter may also be replacedwith a threaded connection. In the case of the design according to FIG.4, the funnel 1 may be present, but it is by no means necessary. As isapparent from FIG. 5, the funnel flare 14 may be used as a replacementelement for the transparent cap 21. If the container 25 is to be filled,the transparent cap 21 is removed, and the funnel flare 14 is placedinto the holder 20. After the end of the filling process, the funnelflare 14 may again be removed and be replaced with the transparent cap21. In the example according to FIG. 5, the holder 20 is designed as anexternal threaded section, onto which either the funnel flare 14 or thetransparent cap can be screwed.

However, the entry and discharge of air into and from the container 25during the flowing of liquid into the tank and the consumption of theliquid from the tank should be ensured. In the example according to FIG.4, the wall of the screw socket 19 has a vent hole 28, through which theair compressed during the filling process can escape from the container25.

However, a vent hole 29, which is to enable outside air to enter thecontainer 25 when the liquid is being consumed, e.g., while mowing thelawn, is also indicated in the transparent cap 21.

The examples according to FIGS. 6 and 7 show how alternatives to theexamples shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 can be developed.

In the example according to FIG. 6, the funnel 1 has external threadedsection 34 on its connection piece 35, with which the funnel 1 can bescrewed into an internal threaded section 39 of the funnel tube 4instead of the transparent cap 21. In the example according to FIG. 6,the perforated plate 2 is supported at a step 36 of the funnel part 22,and it can therefore be pulled off in the upward direction.

The transparent cap 21 according to FIG. 7 is relatively short. It alsohas external threaded sections 34 for screwing into the screw socket 19.

Unlike in FIG. 4, the transparent cap 21 encloses an additionalperforated disk 30, in which the measuring rod 7 is guided, even whenthe funnel 1 has been screwed off from the funnel tube 4.

This offers the advantage that by selecting the lengths of the funneltube 4 and of the measuring rod 7, an indication of the emptying of thecontainer 25 can be obtained. When the funnel tube 4 comes into contactwith the bottom of the container 25 or with a raised bottom surface ofthe container 25 and the float 6 reaches its lowermost position duringthe emptying of the container 25, the upper edge of the measuring rodindicates that the container 25 is empty. In the case shown in FIG. 7,the measuring rod 7 projects only slightly above the additionalperforated plate 30, and it signals the emptying of the container 25.

FIG. 7 also shows that the float 6 has a smaller external diameter thanthe hole of the funnel tube 4. However, a few float ribs 31 extendingalong the jacket lines of the float 6 are located on the outer jacketsurface of the float 6. The float 6 is guided in the funnel tube 4 bymeans of these float ribs 31. A float vent gap 33, which makes itunnecessary to provide special vent holes 28, 29 according to FIGS. 5and 6, is formed between the float ribs 31.

However, it is also possible to provide a sealing washer 37 with atleast one vent hole 38. Thus, air can enter the tank from the outsidethrough the threads of the internal threaded section 24 when a vacuumbecomes established in it as a consequence of fuel being consumed.

Even though the transparent cap 21 according to FIG. 7 is substantiallyshorter than that shown in FIG. 4, it does not interfere with theposition of the measuring rod 7 with the container filled. The measuringrod 7 strikes the top end of the cap and is pressed into the container.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed in detail to illustrate the application of the principles ofthe invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodiedotherwise without departing from such principles.

We claim:
 1. A funnel comprising:a funnel flare; a funnel tube connectedto said funnel flare at a downstream end of said funnel flare; a floatpositioned inside said funnel tube and movable along an axis of saidfunnel tube; a measuring rod connected to said float and extendingupstream from said float; a perforated plate mounted adjacent to aconnection between said funnel tube and said funnel flare, saidperforated plate surrounding and guiding said measuring rod along saidaxis of said funnel tube, said perforated plate being designed to berepetitively replaceable without damaging said perforated plate, saidfunnel tube and said funnel flare; passage slots defined by said funneltube, said passage slots being positioned downstream in said funnel tubeof said perforated plate, an upstream side of said float having a domeshape and said perforated plate having a downstream side substantiallycomplimentary to said dome shape to substantially block passage of fluidfrom said funnel flare to said funnel tube when said float is positionedagainst said perforated plate, said float being a hollow body open on adownstream side.
 2. A funnel in accordance with claim 1, wherein:anouter surface of said float and an inner surface of said funnel tubedefine a clearance gap to throttle fluid flowing through said funneltube when said float is upstream of said passage slots.
 3. A funnel inaccordance with claim 1, wherein:said funnel tube includes a steppositioned at a downstream end of said funnel tube for blocking movementof said float in said funnel tube.
 4. A funnel in accordance with claim1, wherein:one of said funnel tube and said funnel flare includes a stepcooperating with said perforated plate to mount said perforated plate onsaid connection between said funnel flare and said funnel tube as a snapclosure.
 5. A funnel in accordance with claim 1, wherein:said passageslots include an expansion opening having a magnitude larger than anupstream end and a downstream end of said passage slots, said expansionopening being positioned adjacent an upstream side of said float whensaid float is positioned at a downstream end of said funnel tube.
 6. Afunnel in accordance with claim 1, wherein:said funnel tube includes ascrew socket means for screwing said funnel tube onto a tank cap.
 7. Afunnel in accordance with claim 6, wherein:said screw socket means formsa one-piece injection-molded plastic part with said funnel tube.
 8. Afunnel in accordance with claim 6, wherein:said screw socket meansincludes a union nut and a collar connected to said funnel tube.
 9. Afunnel in accordance with claim 6, further comprising:an additionalperforated plate positioned in said screw socket means, said additionalperforated plate defining a central hole for guiding said measuring rod.10. A funnel in accordance with claim 9, wherein:said additionalperforated plate is supported in said funnel tube at a position to causean upstream end of said measuring rod to be upstream of said additionalperforated plate when said float is adjacent a downstream end of saidfunnel tube.
 11. A funnel in accordance with claim 1, wherein:said floatincludes a plurality of float ribs for guiding said float on an innersurface of said funnel tube, an outer surface of said float, said innersurface of said funnel tube, and said float ribs defining a float ventgap.
 12. A funnel in accordance with claim 1, wherein:said measuring rodand said funnel tube have a length to cause a lowermost position of saidmeasuring rod to indicate a substantially empty state of a container.13. A funnel in accordance with claim 1, wherein:said funnel tubeincludes a holder means for guiding and attaching a transparent cap tosaid funnel tube, said transparent cap surrounding said measuring rod ina substantially moisture-proof manner.
 14. A funnel in accordance withclaim 13, wherein said funnel flare is removably connected to saidfunnel tube.
 15. A funnel in accordance with claim 1, wherein:one ofsaid funnel flare and said funnel tube include ribs on a respectiveouter surface to form vent gaps between said respective outer surfaceand adjacent said ribs.
 16. A funnel comprising:a funnel flare; funneltube connected to said funnel flare at a downstream end of said funnelflare; float positioned inside said funnel tube and movable along anaxis of said funnel tube; a measuring rod connected to said float andextending upstream from said float; a perforated plate mounted adjacentto a connection between said funnel tube and said funnel flare, saidperforated plate surrounding and guiding said measuring rod along saidaxis of said funnel tube, said perforated plate being designed to berepetitively replaceable without damaging said perforated plate, saidfunnel tube and said funnel flare; passage slots defined by said funneltube, said passage slots being positioned downstream in said funnel tubeof said perforated plate, said passage slots having an upstream endpositioned substantially at a downstream end of said float when saidfloat is positioned adjacent to said perforated plate.
 17. A funnelcomprising:.a funnel flare; a funnel tube connected to said funnel flareat a downstream end of said funnel flare; a piston-like float positionedinside said funnel tube and movable along an axis of said funnel tube; ameasuring rod connected to said float and extending upstream from saidfloat; a perforated plate mounted adjacent to a connection between saidfunnel tube and said funnel flare, said perforated plate surrounding andguiding said measuring rod along said axis of said funnel tube; passageslots defined by said funnel tube; and a reference rod positioned insaid funnel flare and extending substantially parallel to said measuringrod, an upstream side of said float having a dome shape and saidperforated plate having a downstream side substantially complimentary tosaid dome shape to substantially block passage of fluid from said funnelflare to said funnel tube when said float is positioned against saidperforated plate, said perforated plate acting as an upstream stop forsaid float and said connected measuring rod and a downstream stop beingprovided in said funnel tube for limiting movement of said float, andsaid connected measuring rod, in a downstream direction.
 18. A funnel inaccordance with claim 17, wherein:an upstream end of said reference rodis positioned downstream of an upstream end of said measuring rod, whensaid float is positioned adjacent said perforated plate.
 19. A funnel inaccordance with claim 17, wherein:said reference rod is connected tosaid perforated plate.
 20. A funnel in accordance with claim 17,wherein:said funnel tube includes a screw socket means for screwing saidfunnel tube onto a tank element.